Supreme Court Seeks Response on 'Ad Hoc' DGP Appointment in Jharkhand

The Supreme Court has sought a response from Jharkhand's acting DGP Anurag Gupta on a plea challenging his appointment by the Hemant Soren government. The plea alleges that Gupta's appointment violates a 2006 Supreme Court verdict which mandates a fixed tenure and selection from the top three senior IPS officers.

The Supreme Court has sought a response from Jharkhand's acting Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta regarding a petition challenging his appointment by the Hemant Soren-led JMM government.

A bench, including Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, issued a notice to the Jharkhand government and its Chief Secretary, L Khiangte, concerning a contempt plea. The plea argues non-compliance with a 2006 Supreme Court verdict, which mandates a fixed two-year tenure for DGPs and selection from the top three senior IPS officers in the state, as prepared by the UPSC.

Appearing for petitioner Naresh Makani, senior advocate Madhavi Divan contended that Gupta's appointment violates the directives of the Prakash Singh judgment of 2006. The petition seeks contempt proceedings against the state for allegedly ignoring the Supreme Court's rulings, claiming that the appointment was politically motivated and undermines the principles of equality and non-arbitrariness.

(With inputs from agencies.)